Search result for: 2

We get a variety of questions when folks call inquiring about the boats and often it’s to ask if it is big enough to fit a pet. I say pet because, although it is mostly dogs, we do have a few folks ask about other 4 legged friends as well. In this month’s narrative, read Curt’s version of “Chelsea’s Pedal Boat Adventure” from Summer 2011.

Dear Folks: Here is an “end of trip” summary of my Erie Canal Escapade with emphasis on the boat and our performance. The trip, from Tonawanda (Buffalo) to Waterford (Albany), 324 miles took 20 days at about 7 hours or less per day. During that time, there were two additional down days due to weather (rain). Nine of the days were last summer, when I interrupted at Lock 25 near the Cayuga-Seneca Canal junction. I picked up again at that point this year on August 15th. After 5 days of 90 plus degree weather and bright sun, I was close to heat stroke. I docked at the Holmes Marnina at the east end of Oneida Lake and went back to “home base” at Canandaigua Lake for 7 days. I then completed the trip over the next week.

The Escapade performed magnificently throughout. The so-called “prevailing westerlies” never materialized. On only two of the 20 travel days was there significant west wind, with virtually no pedalling. (John installed the sail kit from Sailboats-to-go). On many days there was significant east wind, and the rest NE wind. With the east wind, the boat, without the windshield and with bimini up, penetrated easily.

I noted the cadence: with minimal effort I could maintain 60 cycles/minute for long period-about 3.5-4 mph. Reducing the rate to 55 cycles/minute- no effort, which I could maintain indefinitely, I still went more than 3 mph.

Pedal Boats

All of Nauticraft pedal boats use a specially designed drive unit that mates bicycle pedals and crank arms with an industrial toothed belt and molded sprockets.

The Quadritwist belt transfers the motion of pedaling into the turning of the drive shaft and propeller. Two large and two small sprockets, providing a 4:1 ratio, are supported by a robust rotationally molded drive housing. The propeller’s axial extension transfers forward thrust directly to the keel of the boat.

The Escapade has one of these drive systems, the Encore has two, each of which perform independently from the other. This “separate action” allows the two Encore operators to pedal at their own cadence or rhythm.

United States Coast Guard Small Boat Test

These boats have been through the rigorous United States Coast Guard small boat tests. Polyethylene, the material used in the rotational molding process, has a natural buoyancy. This, along with cast-in flotation foam gives Nauticraft boats additional contingency flotation.

The Escapade’s deep keel gives protection for the propeller and rudder. The ballast filled keel gives ultimate stability making it exceptionally seaworthy. The sailboat-type hull positions the operator down inside the cockpit, providing a comforting feeling of safety, security, and privacy. The Encore has twin keels that protect both propellers. It’s massive size in length and beam gives it both stability and safety.

Environmentally Safe

Lastly, all Nauticraft boats are safe for the environment. The manufacturing process utilizes clean technology — no hazardous pollutants are released into the atmosphere during or after the manufacturing process. And, of course, there is minimal effect on the environment while using these boats. Also, when the useful life of the boat is over, the polyethylene plastic has the potential to be recycled.